There are different symptoms depending on different solutions behind freezing an air compressor. Running an air compressor in freezing weather is no joke because you often get into a number of problems mainly the freezing of compressors every other day.
Mainly it’s the compressor components that fail to work under certain conditions. But, in freezing weather, you can’t go to get it checked so it is not a budget-friendly thing to do. To find the solution, the internet is your companion but unfortunately, people don’t have the right information.
To deliver you the right, our experts are here and so I am from Canada. I am aiming to help you out today on how to unfreeze an air compressor. It’s not an easy job but you can do it if I can! So, let’s get straight into it.
How to unfreeze an air compressor?
Before starting, I would mention one essential point there are two ways you can tell a freezing air compressor. At first, you can easily see ice on the system and other than that, if you see there is a lack of cool air it means that the compressor is frozen. If you are still unable to detect it, place your hand in Infront of it for some seconds so you can feel the warmth of the air.
Basically, the freezing of an air compressor starts from the cooling coil. After that, it extends down to the refrigerant line to the outdoor system. In most cases, you can unfreeze it at your home but when it gets into airlines it gets difficult and you will eventually need assistance. But I believe this small guide can help you to handle the situation.
Turn off the compressor:
Most importantly, if you are trying to fix an air compressor make sure you always plug it off/switch off the compressor before using it. Doing this, it can help you do your job quite easily.
Diagnose the compressor:
If you want to fix your compressor, the first thing you need to do is to examine it completely from its parts to the internals to know the intensity of the damage.
There can be some common problems like, water vapor condenses hardening inside the pipes. In order to lower condensate levels, you might want to think about installing a new air dryer because this might effectively narrow or fully clog the pipes.
Let it defrost:
The final step is to defrost the compressor, as there is no hard and fast rule to do so. Just let it defrost at room temperature. The inside fan of your compressor is made to continuously blast warm air over its frozen coils by turning on the fan. The ice will defrost more quickly. After a while, plug in the compressor to see the working.
If your compressor starts working, this means that everything is good to go. But, if it doesn’t you need to call for help because there can be more underlying reasons behind it.
Compressor Aftercare:
If you want your compressor to work properly and work for years, make sure you clean or replace the clogged airways and valves for better performance. In all temperatures, regular maintenance can make your compressor last longer and be in good condition.
Major Reasons behind air compressor freezing
Apart from the freezing temperature, there are some other reasons too that allow the compressor and its components to freeze. In result of that, the compressor stops working completely and if left untreated it can cause moisture generation and then death! So, let’s see some of the possible reasons down below:
- First and foremost, it has to be a blocked air filter that is reducing the flow of air across the cooling coil. The blocked air filter is the most dangerous and in some cases while operating it suddenly it stops working.
- Secondly, the most common is inadequate and excessive refrigerant damage to your compressor while generating ice accumulation.
- Motor works the most and is more prone to damage, but manufacturers pay close attention to them for freezing temperature, a compressor motor that is malfunctioning and not directing warm air onto the conditioned space can also freezes the compressor.
- A faulty compressor that is not correctly managing the amount of refrigerant entering the cooling coil.
- The other reason is the water accumulating in one spot where it can readily freeze due to a clogged condensed drain line. Clogged airlines are the most damaging as you can’t clean them easily.
- Lastly, an evaporator coil that is clogged with debris and preventing air from passing past the cooling coil.
Final words:
Air compressor freezing is most common with people living in such weather and preferably people who don’t look after their machines after using them. Defrosting your air compressor can take you from 1 hour time to even a day depending on the condition of your compressor.
But if you can’t fix your compressor with the above-mentioned guide, please call for assistance and don’t try to do it alone! In the end, if I have left anything behind, the comment box is always open for you to ask! If not, then good luck and take care of your device.
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